The NHL and the competition’s players’ association announced that its play-off fixtures scheduled for Thursday and Friday would be postponed.
It follows the NBA’s stance after their stance to boycott matches on Wednesday and Thursday in protest at racial injustice in America following the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a black man, last week.
Blake was shot on Sunday in Kenosha, Wisconsin – 40 miles from Milwaukee – apparently in the back and in front of his children, with the incident captured on phone video, igniting new protests over racial injustice in several cities.
‘After much discussion, NHL players believe that the best course of action would be to take a step back and not play tonight’s and tomorrow’s games as scheduled,’ read a statement on Thursday.
‘The NHL supports the players’ decision and will reschedule those four games beginning Saturday and adjust the remainder of the second-round schedule accordingly.
‘We understand that the tragedies involving Jacob Blake, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others require us to recognise this moment. We pledge to work to use our sport to influence positive change in society.
‘The NHLPA and NHL are committed to working to foster more inclusive and welcoming environments within our arenas, offices and beyond.’
